Why do some leaders inspire action while others give orders? Why do some organizations thrive with a clear purpose while others struggle to maintain direction? The answer lies deeper than you might think – in how we remember, process, and act on information.
By Danny Sullivan, MBA
We often talk about the what and how of leadership, but rarely do we ask why. Similarly, when we discuss memory, we focus on techniques and strategies – the what and how – without exploring the fundamental purpose of our cognitive processes. But what if understanding the why of our memory could transform how we lead?
Let's start with a provocative thought: Your memory is not just a tool for recalling information – it's the foundation of your leadership identity.
The 7 Flaws That Shape Our Reality
Every leader faces challenges, but the most insidious are often invisible. Our memory, the very bedrock of our decision-making and identity, is flawed in ways we rarely acknowledge:
Forgetting
Misattribution
Suggestibility
Bias
Interference
Repression
Memory distortion
These aren't just inconveniences. They're the hidden forces shaping how we perceive our world, our teams, and our capabilities as leaders. So let me explain each:
Forgetting Forgetting is one of the most common flaws of memory. The inability to retrieve information was once stored in our memory. While some forgetting is normal and even necessary, as it allows us to prioritize and retain important information, it can also be frustrating and problematic when we need to remember something important.
Misattribution Misattribution is the process of confusing the source of a memory. This can occur when we recall an event but misattribute the details or the person involved. For example, we may remember a conversation with a friend but incorrectly recall that it occurred on a different day or at a different location.
Suggestibility Suggestibility occurs when external factors influence our memories. This can happen when we are exposed to leading questions or misleading information that can alter our recollection of an event. This is particularly problematic in legal cases where the questioning process can influence eyewitness testimony.
Bias Bias is a memory flaw that occurs when our prior beliefs or attitudes influence how we remember an event. This can lead to a distorted or inaccurate recollection of what happened. For example, if we have a negative attitude towards someone, we may be more likely to remember negative events that involve that person.
Interference Interference is a memory flaw that occurs when new information interferes with our ability to remember old information. This can happen when trying to learn new things while retaining old information. For example, suppose we are trying to learn a new language while still using our native language. In that case, the two languages can interfere, making it harder to remember words and phrases in both languages.
Repression Repression is a controversial flaw in memory that occurs when we suppress traumatic memories. While this may be a necessary coping mechanism in some cases, it can also lead to completely forgetting important events that may need to be addressed in therapy or legal situations.
Memory distortion Memory distortion is when our memories become inaccurate or distorted over time. This can happen for various reasons, including the influence of external factors, the passage of time, or the limitations of our cognitive processes. Memory distortion can result in creating false memories or altering existing memories, leading us to remember events or details that did not actually occur or were different from what happened.
The Power of Why in Memory
Imagine two leaders facing the same challenge. The first asks, "What must I remember to solve this problem?" The second asks, "Why is this information central to our purpose?" Which leader will not only recall the necessary details but also inspire their team to action?
The leader who starts with why taps into something more profound than mere recall. They connect information to purpose, making it resilient against the flaws of memory and transformative in its application.
Inspired Leadership Through Inspired Memory
So, how do we harness this understanding to become better leaders? By reframing how we approach memory:
Connect to Purpose: Before remembering key information, ask yourself why it matters to your organization's mission. Information anchored in purpose is more resilient against forgetting and distortion.
Challenge Assumptions: Regularly question your memories and perceptions. Ask, "Why do I believe this to be true?" This practice guards against bias and misattribution.
Create Shared Narratives: Engage your team in creating vivid, purpose-driven stories around key information. This not only aids memory but builds a culture of shared understanding and motivation.
Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge the flaws in your own memory. Leaders who admit to these human limitations create an environment of trust and open communication.
Focus on the Infinite Game: View your memory not as a fixed resource but as an evolving tool in the long-term leadership journey. This perspective helps combat short-term thinking and fosters continuous learning.
The Why of Memory Mastery
Here's a thought experiment: Imagine an organization where every member, from the CEO to the newest hire, understands not just what they need to remember but why that information is vital to their shared purpose. How would decisions be made differently? How would challenges be approached?
In such an organization, memory isn't just about retention – it's about inspiration. It's not about avoiding mistakes but about fueling innovation. It's not about individual recall but about collective purpose.
A Call to Inspired Action
As leaders, we have a choice. We can continue to battle against the flaws in our memory, treating them as obstacles to be overcome. Or we can embrace these flaws as opportunities to connect more deeply with our why – our purpose, cause, and belief.
So I challenge you: The next time you face a crucial decision or an essential piece of information, don't start with what you need to remember. Start with why it matters. Let that why infuse every aspect of how you process, share, and act on that information.
Remember, great leaders don't just have great memories. They create environments where every piece of information, every decision, and every action is a reflection of a greater why. And in doing so, they don't just lead – they inspire.
The question isn't whether you can remember everything. The question is: Can you make everything you remember matter?
About Danny Sullivan. MBA
I am a “prototypical intrapreneur,” I have built my entire executive career on that definition - A high-energy, fiscally conscious, and goal-driven technology executive. I approach each new business challenge with innovation, creative problem-solving, and measured risk-taking. Having earned my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Stanford University, and armed with my CPA credential, my goal is to complement my natural technical savvy with a strong foundation in business and finance.